The asymmetric nature of Bantu applicative constructions

Abstract

Studies of the applicative constructions in various Bantu languages have revealed two types: symmetrical object languages in which both objects in double object applicatives exhibit the same syntactic properties, and asymmetrical object languages, where the two objects do not behave the same way [Bresnan, J., Moshi, L., 1990. Object asymmetries in comparative Bantu. Linguistic Inquiry 21, 147–185]. This study investigates the constituent structure of the applicatives in Kikuyu (a symmetrical object language) and Chingoni (an asymmetrical object language). Following [Ngonyani, D., 1996a. The Morphosyntax of Applicatives. Doctoral dissertation, UCLA], VP ellipsis in which only the object is missing is established as a diagnostic tool. The data demonstrate that although the constructions lack only the complement, they exhibit the same syntactic properties as English VP ellipsis, namely, availability of sloppy identity interpretation, possibility of deleting idiom chunks, and lack of island constraints. VP ellipsis reveals that applicative constructions in both languages are generated with the direct object appearing in the lowest predicate, while the applied object appears in the higher VP. This suggests the applicative affix is a head that takes an event as its complement [Pylkkänen, L., 2002. Introducing Arguments. Doctoral dissertation, MIT]. The findings show the same pattern of argument positions in the two language thus supporting Baker's [Baker, M., 1988. Incorporation: A Theory of Grammatical Function Changing. Chicago University Press, Chicago] UTAH. The study brings to light some interesting features of multiple applicatives. For example, the symmetry noted in Kikuyu double object construction is not found in multiple applicatives.